THIEVES trying to steal electrical cables for their scrap metal value could end up paying with their lives.

That’s the warning from Cheshire Police who say that thieves who have been targeting everything from grids, lead and lightening conductors because of the increase in the value of metal, are now risking their lives trying to steal live electricity cables.

Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Purdie said: “No matter how valuable metal may be, trying to steal electricity cables can be a fatal mistake. The cables have thousands of volts coursing through them and could kill instantly.”

Thieves hide behind the premise that it’s almost a victimless crime in which no-one, other than large firms, suffers as a result.

It is far from a victimless crime and can have implications on businesses, homeowners and commuters. Offender can suffer serious or even fatal burns by tampering with electricity cables - and can cause widespread blackouts.